Herbal Plants

Herbal Plants

Herbal plants are commonly used as an alternative medicine. From ancient times it is proven that some of the plants have the ability to heal a certain illness or condition. 

As modern medicine developed you will find a large number of the pills we take today have their origins in those humble herbs gathered from the waysides and stream beds. Even today, the "miracle drugs" being developed can regularly be traced back to some little known plant growing in some remote part of the world. 

1) Clove

People use the oils, dried flower buds, leaves, and stems of clove to make medicine.

The germicidal properties of clove oil make it very effective for relieving dental pain, tooth ache, sore gums and mouth ulcers.

Gargling with diluted clove oil helps in easing throat pain and irritation. 

Clove oil, when mixed with salt and applied on the forehead, gives a cooling effect and helps in getting relief from headaches. 

Clove oil has a cooling and anti inflammatory effect, and is frequently used to clear the nasal passage. This expectorant is a useful treatment for various respiratory disorders including  colds, bronchitis, asthma, sinusitis, and tuberculosis.

A mixture of warm clove oil and sesame oil is a good remedy for ear aches. 

Cloves may be used internally as a tea and topically as an oil for hypotonic muscles, including for multiple sclerosis.

Clove oil is helpful in reducing nausea and vomiting and is often used for pregnancy-related morning sickness and discomfort. 

Apply clove oil directly and immediately to 1st and 2nd degree burns and minor open wounds and cuts to alleviate pain, reduce possibility of infection and reduce healing time. For minor open wounds and cuts just sprinkling ground cloves will help stop bleeding and reduce pain immediately.

Clove stimulates digestive system and helps indigestion, can help stomach ulcers but if it is associated with constipation and/or bleeding haemorrhoids, clove might not be the solution.

2) Valerian

Valerian is most commonly used for sleep disorders, especially the inability to sleep (insomnia). It is combined with hops, lemon balm, or other herbs that also cause drowsiness. Some people who are trying to withdraw from the use of “sleeping pills” use valerian to help them sleep after they have tapered the dose of the sleeping pill. 

Sometimes, valerian is added to bath water to help with restlessness and sleep disorders.

Valerian is used for muscle and joint pain. Some women use valerian for menstrual cramps and symptoms associated with menopause, including hot flashes and anxiety. Valerian has been known for centuries as a reliable pain reliever and relaxant.

 Valerian herb can also calm coughs when used in combination with mullein, and lemon balm.

Valerian root is known for its anti-oxidant content, and anti-oxidant effects of this natural remedy work best for protecting brain function, this way playing a role of neuro protective and preventing numerous brain disorders. 

Valerian is calming and soothing to the digestive muscles. Its ability to relax the digestive system makes Valerian useful in certain cases of upset stomach. 

3) Dandelion

Dandelions are rich in vitamins A, C, E and B complex, iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium and zinc. Dandelions are also one of the highest sources of vitamin K1.

Dandelion root or leaf was recommended as a mild laxative that would also stimulate urination, salivation and the secretion of gastric juices and bile, improve appetite and generally tone the whole system. It has been used to treat liver, urinary tract and digestive problems. 

Dandelion greens also have been used as a diuretic, an agent that promotes the loss of water from the body through urination. Their diuretic effect can make dandelion greens helpful in lowering blood pressure and relieving premenstrual fluid retention.

Dandelion tea has specific action in reducing inflammation, of the gall bladder and of the bile duct, for rheumatism and arthritis.

Dandelions also are recommended for wart removal. The roots, stems, and leaves of the dandelion exude a white sticky resin when injured. Applied directly to warts daily or, preferably, several times a day, this resin slowly dissolves them.

Dandelion coffee is helpful in treating high cholesterol levels. This is based on one of the dandelion's important components, choline, a fat-emulsifying vitamin.

4) Lavender

Lavender is applied to the skin for hair loss and pain, and to repel mosquitoes and other insects.

Some people add lavender to bathwater to treat circulation disorders and improve mental well being.

By inhalation, lavender is use as aromatherapy for insomnia, pain, and agitation related to dementia.

A strong lavender tea can be cooled and used as a scalp rinse to help prevent dandruff.

Adding a few drops of lavender essential oil or a cup of strong brewed lavender tea and a cup of Epsom salts to a bath helps relax sore muscles.

Lavender is used for restlessness, insomnia, nervousness, and depression. It is also used for a variety of digestive complaints including abdominal swelling from gas in the intestinal or peritoneal cavity, loss of appetite, vomiting, nausea and upset stomach.

Lavender is well regarded for it's skin healing properties. To sooth sunburns or other burns , a few drops of Lavender essential oil can be added to a bottle of cool water and spray on burns to offer relief. The dried herb can also be brewed in to a strong tea and sprayed on instead.

Simmering dried lavender herb in a pot of water with some citrus peels for a natural air freshener.

5) Elderberry

Elderflowers have diaphoretic (sweat inducing) properties, and drinking hot tea made from the flowers helps to relieve fevers at the onset of colds or flu. The expectorant and anticatarrhal properties of elderflowers make them valuable for clearing upper respiratory congestion.

For topical application, elderflowers can be made into a salve to treat burns, rashes and skin irritations. Elder leaves can be applied externally for bruises and sprains.

Elderberries are effective against both bacteria and viruses, and act to prevent viruses from entering cells. Taking elderberry syrup, extract or juice can lessen the duration of flu symptoms. Elderberries contain anthocyanin, potent antioxidants that protect cells from damage. Anthocyanin also boost the immune system by inducing the production of cytokines, small proteins that play a role in regulating immune response.

Elderflower is also used as a gargle and mouthwash for coughs, colds, hoarseness (laryngitis) and shortness of breath. It is used on the skin for joint pain(rheumatism), and pain and swelling (inflammation).

Some people put elderflower in the eyes for red eyes; for eye irritations.  The fresh leaves when picked and warmed can be laid on the temples for relief of nervous headaches. 

6) Rosemary

Rosemary infused oil and rosemary essential oil are both used in massage oil formulations to relieve the pain of arthritis and of sore aching muscles. Rosemary used as a massage oil also helps to tone the circulatory system. Antioxidant compounds in rosemary prevent uterine spasms and menstrual cramps. 

 Rosemary has a long herbal tradition as a herb that improves concentration and memory.

It is also used for wound healing, in bath therapy (balneotherapy), and as an insect repellent.

A strong infusion of Rosemary and Nettle leaf is an excellent herbal rinse for hair and can help get rid of dandruff and speed hair growth when used after each washing. Rosemary essential oil stimulates hair follicles and circulation in the scalp, which may help prevent premature baldness.

7) Mullein

The leaves of mullein can be combined and used along with other herbs like thyme and coltsfoot. The dried leaves are put into a tobacco pipe and smoked to cure coughs and irritation in the respiratory symptoms.

The flowers of this herb are used to treat migraines; these also act as bactericide and antibiotics.

 Poultice made with leaves of mullein can heal wounds as well as tumors, piles and ulcers.

The plant juice as well as powder made with the dried roots can remove warts.

When the flowers of mullein are mixed with olive oil, these can cure earache.

Some herbal practitioners believe that mullein syrup can treat coronary disorders such as angina and heart palpitations.

Childhood ailments such as mumps, tonsils, measles, and chicken pox can be treated with mullein.

Mullein has demulcent, and astringent properties making it useful to help resolve pectoral complaints and bleeding of the lungs and bowels. Its uses can be traced back to the Greek herbalist, Dioscorides, who was one of the first to recommend it for a variety of lung diseases. 

 Mullein is also used as a sedative and as a diuretic to increase urine output.